Golcar United were left to rue their missed chances as they suffered a 2-0 loss to fellow playoff rivals Hallam FC in front of a packed Skye Direct Stadium.

Goals from James Cadman and Leon Howarth secured the three points against a Weavers side who had Ryan Hall sent off eight minutes from time.

As both sides had energy-sapping cup semi-finals in the mid-week and only 2 points separated the 2 sides at kick-off, the game's opening was understandably cagey. Golcar were the better side, but some good clearances by Hallam’s backline meant a few dangerous crosses by Sam Pashley didn’t amount to anything.

The game opened up a bit more after 25 minutes with the hosts still being the most threatening side, but two brilliant blocks by Hallam’s Alfie Smith stopped first Callum Petch and Oli Russon from opening the scoring.

But 6 minutes before halftime, Hallam took the lead. A fine reverse pass by Leon Howarth found James Cadman, who rounded Golcar’s goalkeeper Harry Stead, and slotted the ball into the vacant net.

All of a sudden, Golcar went from being the most threatening side to hanging on for half-time in the hope that it was just a one-goal deficit. Cadman had an effort to double his tally but his half-volley from the edge of the box was saved by Stead, and Golcar survived till the interval.

Straight after half-time, Hallam’s keeper, Hugo Warhurst, pulled off an incredible save from Sam Pashley. Our number 2’s header from point-blank range changed path after he headed it into the ground, but that didn’t stop Warhurst from making a breath-taking stop.

Golcar continued to push for an equaliser with Petch’s near-post effort being tipped behind by Warhurst, and Alfie Wilkinson had an effort that was deflected over the bar, whilst Golcar’s backline stifled Hallam from hitting The Weavers on the break.

The Village faithful had their heads on their hands as Ryan Hall was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent. That didn’t halt Golcar’s momentum as Hallam were pinned back and taking their time with any dead-ball situation they found themselves having.

3 minutes from time, Golcar received the confirmation that it just wasn’t their day. George Doyle’s glancing header hit the underside of the bar, but it somehow didn’t go over the line.

Hallam then hit a 90th-minute dagger to confirm the three points. Leon Howarth made use of the treacherous conditions to rifle in a low shot that skidded off the surface and went into the bottom corner.

The result leaves the Weavers five points off Hallam in second, but we do have a game in hand on our opponents. That game is against Frickley Athletic on Tuesday (25th March) in our final home league game of the season.

Golcar: Stead, Pashley, Lawrence, Killock, Clee, Russon (Naidole 84), Clegg, Wilkinson (Phillip, 85), Hall, Doyle, Petch.

Attendance: 744